Red rose to the surface spluttering. And finding that he could touch bottom with his feet, he stood with his carroty head out of water, watching for the wagon.
It soon came into view, out of the woods, and the horse that drew it thundered upon the bridge. The horse was old Ebenezer; and Farmer Green was driving him.
"Hi!" Red shouted. "Stop! Wait a minute!"
Johnnie Green's father pulled Ebenezer to a halt.
"What's going on here?" he inquired.
"Spot took my clothes," Red explained. "He's run down the road with them. Get them for me—please!"
Hoots and catcalls from the other boys followed Red's speech, which was a wonderfully polite one—for him.
Farmer Green couldn't help laughing.
"I'm going to the village," he said. "If I find any clothes along the road I'll pick them up and put them in the wagon. And if you're here when I come back I'll give them to you."
"He'll be here!" Johnnie Green shouted. "Red'll wait for you."